Raleigh, Jan. 2—Wright Rouse, 70-year-old one-armed negro sentenced to die in the electric chair at the state prison tomorrow morning at 10:30 o’clock for the killing of William Whitley, Greene county farmer, near Walstonburg last fall, was granted a 30-day respite by Governor Morrison tonight, several hours after the governor heard the petition for advocates of Rouse’s commutation and had announced that he would not interfere. Governor Morrison changed his decision when he received from Judge Frank A. Daniels, who tried and sentenced Rouse, a telegram asking that a respite be granted until the case could receive further consideration.
Mrs. Sarah Whitley, widow of the slain man, and Thomas Hayes are now serving life sentences in the state prison following their submission in Greene county court as accessories before the fact.
R.H. Taylor, attorney for Rose, represented the negro in the hearing before the governor at the executive mansion this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. The petition for commutation was opposed by neighbors of the dead man, represented by J. Paul Friselle.
Governor Morrison made no written statement in the announcement of his decision but notified the prison officials that the electrocution should proceed as ordered. Later, upon the receipt of Judge Daniels’ telegram, he announced the respite.
From the front page of The Wilmington Morning Star, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 1922
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